January 18 No More Among Other Brouhahas

Moving the Date: A Couple's Nightmare
Francis and I had to sit with his parents for the talk. Apparently, there is this Filipino custom called "sukob" that is believed to be a bringer of ill fate to couples. Since his uncle (Tito Oca) died January 18 (our anniversary) this year, we cannot marry after a year. That spells disaster to us.


We understand that there seem to be some things that we will not be able to control. Including this. It's just sad that we have to change our wedding date when January 18 is our 9th anniversary and 1+8 is 9. Pathetic? Yes, I do find myself deadbeat at times. But, numbers are close to my heart. Dates of special occasions are way too sentimental and memorable for me.


Good thing that January 28 is an available date for Vinz and VJ Matias. It's sad to know that we might not have these talented brothers as they are talented and very welcoming. I hope we settle everything by then.


Reception Renovation: F*ck Me!!! 
This is the biggest struggle we had to face as reception venue holds a very pertinent spot to the entire budget tier.


It is rather sad that Makati Parks and Garden is to be renovated; thus, no couple is allowed to book for any 2013 event. Sucks, I know! And since this is the case, we're on our super sleuth act again to look for the church that we will have our vows presented at. 


Arrrgghh! I promised myself not to be a bridezilla. I'm trying not to!


Posted on 2/1/12 at 8:24 PM

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Ocular: Makati Parks and Garden and Our Lady of Guadalupe

We had a very busy Saturday with Francis barely sleeping as he just went home from work. It was pretty manic if you'll ask me.


At exactly two in the afternoon, we went straight ahead to Makati Parks and Garden to check it out. While on the way there, we were able to spot a chapel that is almost worn and torn. It's actually perfect for an intimate wedding due to its solemnity. San Nicolas Chapel in J.P. Rizal Ext. is quite a catch for our supposed set-up; however, the lack parking space is a definite no-no. 


Though the mini church sits across Makati Parks and Garden, it is rather inconvenient to have the guests walk from one side to another (taking into account the fact that they need to use the footbridge to cross the street).


After speaking with a certain Ate Eba from the San Nicolas Chapel, we went to Sta. Tererista Parish (the main parish in West Rembo) to have a look at what they can offer and see the caretakers. Ate Beth greeted us there, and she was actually all warm and fuzzy. The only problem we had was that it's very difficult to find. Something that could be a pain in the ass for us and the rest of the attendees.  


The offer was 7,000 PHP inclusive of the priest's stipend, flowers, red carpet, and use of the church for the ceremony.


Failed on choosing this church, we decided to check Makati Parks and Garden then proceed to Guadalupe Nuevo's Our Lady of Guadalupe Shrine. 

Photo take from Shutter Bride

The security guard, Ate Gilda, was in the Pavilion and told us to inquire to their admin office (which, by the way, was not helpful at all!). Had Francis and I been a different kind of couple with loads of gran, we would have crossed this out immediately because of the staff's unfriendly welcome. 

Photos from Venues.Multiply.Com

Luckily, we got the contact details of a certain Claudine Magno from Makati's Office of the Mayor. 


Next, we rode a jeepney back to Guadalupe, Makati. We walked and walked until we reached Orense St. in Guadalupe Nuevo. There stands the beautiful Our Lady of Guadalupe Shrine. It's a fascinating shrine perfect for our occasion! It's not that big but not too small.


The church staff, Kris, was very friendly and polite in answering our inquiries. She gave us the list of requirements and fees, plus their contact details. As per Kris, we will have to coordinate with Rovi and return in June. 


To be honest, I was enthralled when I saw the church. It's not as beautiful as other churches like Jon Don Bosco and St. Andrew in Makati. Nonetheless, I'll have to say that it's a solemn place to hold our special ceremony. The rate? Well, it's amazingly within our budget. A little less than 10,000 PHP with all the other inclusions.


Here are the pictures. We only had a chance to sneaked in and press our shutters.

Me in the altar and him from the farthest point

The angel is very welcoming if you ask me

These babies should be lighted on our wedding day

The tablet inside

I really fell in love with this church in an instant! Francis spoke about how quiet it is in the area. It's perfect! Just perfect for our uber budgeted wedding celebration! Can't wait to check Makati Parks and Garden's availability, so we can book this church! Yey!

Posted 1/29/12 at 5:29 AM

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Wedding Checklist (Jan. 2012)

Due to our need to fix our wedding preps for 2013, we have prepared a checklist that we'll go over each month to revisit.

Ceremony
Church: scouting stage
Priest: NA
Commentator: NA
Readers: NA: probably the guests
* First Reading
* Responsorial Psalm
* Second Reading
* Prayers of the Faithful
Bible: NA
Offertory candles: craft it (DIY), research stage
Unity Cord: craft it (DIY), research stage
Bearers' pillow: craft it (DIY), research stage
Flower girl basket: craft it (DIY), research stage
Matches: craft it (DIY), research stage
Arrhae: craft it (DIY), research stage
Music: NA
Pen: craft it (DIY), research stage -{panda wrapped w/ yellow ribbon + peacock feathers, buttons, beads}


Reception
Venue: craft it (DIY), research stage - {Makati Parks and Garden, Great Eastern Hotel}
Caterer: research - {Mama Chu and Ate Jude's mom}
Cake for Cutting: NA - {Red Ribbon, Conti's}
Host/Emcee: NA - {one of our guests}
Lights & Sounds: research stage
Entertainment: research stage


Attire
Bridal Gown: research stage
Bridal Shoes: research stage
Garter: craft it (DIY), research stage
Bride's Jewelry: craft it (DIY), research stage
Bridal Headpieces/Veil: craft it (DIY), research stage
Groom's attire: research stage
Groom's shoes: research stage
Groom's Accessories: research stage
MOH Dresses: research stage - {2 MOH}
Groomsmen: research stage
Bridesmaid dresses: research stage
Flower Girl: research stage
Bearers: research stage


Photo/Video Coverage
Pre-Nup (E-Sessions): scheduled w/ Johan Nery (Jen's BF) and Jessa Baccay (GTalker)
Photo: craft it (DIY), research stage
Photo Slide Show: AVP (personalized)
Parents' Album: scheduled w/ chosen photog.
Main Album: scheduled w/ chosen photog.
Video: scheduled w/ chosen videog.
Wedding Teaser: scheduled w/ chosen videog.
SDE: scheduled w/ chosen videog.


Stationery
Monogram: craft it (DIY), research stage
Invitations: craft it (DIY), research stage
Save-the-Date Cards: craft it (DIY) vs. digital, research stage
Thank you notes: craft it (DIY), research stage
Misalette: craft it (DIY), research stage - {might be provided by the church}
Wedding Program: craft it (DIY), research stage
Table Numbers: craft it (DIY), research stage - {virtues, wishes}
Escort Cards: craft it (DIY), research stage


Flowers
Bride's bouquet: craft it (DIY), research stage - {craft it to have a remembrance}
Corsages: craft it (DIY), research stage - {dyi w/ fabric}
Boutonniere: craft it (DIY), research stage - {w/ peacock and buttons}
Reception centerpieces: craft it (DIY), research stage
Altar pieces: research stage - {clarify if the church can provide these}
Aisle flower: research stage - {clarify if the church can provide these}
Throw away bouquet: craft it (DIY), research stage
Rose petals: research stage
Bridal car: research stage - {some car rentals shoulder the flowers}


Tokens and Souvenirs 
Principal Sponsors: research stage - {min. 6, max. 8 >> wine?!?}
Secondary Sponsors: research stage - {6 adults + 4 kids, 4GM, 2MOH}
Guests: research stage - {DIY or sweets}


Miscellaneous
HMUA: research stage, scheduled but will still look - {ChuChie Ledesma's offer ranges to 8k, will look for MV Balo, etc.}
OTD: research stage 
Hotel for preps: research stage 
Bridal Car: research stage 
Transportation (for the families):  research stage 
Suppliers' Meal: research stage  - {if w/ Chu, might ask her to add more heads or meals for these guys}


DIY Projects
Flowers:
* Bride's bouquet:
* Corsages:
* Boutonniere:
* Reception centerpieces:
* Throw away bouquet:
* Flower girl's bouquet:
Bearer Pillow - Coin:
Bearer Pillow - Ring:
Bible Cover:
Boutonnieres (for Male Ento):
Bridal Shoes - I Do Sign:
Candles:
Doughnut / Cupcake Tower:
Matches:
Monogram:
Save-The-Date:
Offertory - candles:
Offertory - flowers:
Offertory - fruits:
Pen for Signing of Contract:
Photo Slideshow / AVP:
Place Cards:
Prenup Portraits:
Table Names:
Table Names Frames / Holders:
Wedding Program:


Documents and Seminars
Marriage License:
Groom's Birth Certificate:
Bride's Birth Certificate:
Grooms' Baptismal Certificate:
Bride's Baptismal Certificate:
Groom's Confirmation Certificate:
Bride's Confirmation Certificate:
Cenomar:
Canonical Interview:
Pre-Cana Seminars:
Public Banns:


See you list next month!


Posted on 1/8/12 at 6:35 AM

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